Council workers arrived at 8am and started to erect the bollards to close access to all vehicles on the bridge that leads to the farm in Smithills Country Park.

Furious at the council’s decision, Anthony Grimshaw, who runs Smithills Open Farm, and his son Carl positioned their tractors at each end of the bridge, along with a car further along the road, trapping the council’s two trucks and JCB digger on the bridge.

Contractors were stuck until just after 4pm when a decision was made to remove the bollards and allow cars access to the bridge - even though they had only been installed that morning.

The move was greeted with cheers from the farm’s staff.

Bolton Council said the decision had been taken to close the route to the farm because Mr Grimshaw was not adhering to a weight and width limit for vehicles using the bridge.

It had been introduced after part of the wall collapsed several years ago.

But the 53-year-old, who has run his farm on the council-owned land since 2001, said there was no “suitable alternative” and that he had been given just four days’ notice of the impending closure.

He added: “Bolton Council wants us to keep bringing in visitors but if they close the bridge now there is no alternative for visitors — there is a back route via Moss Lea but it is in terrible condition and with no signage how will anyone know where to go?”

“We also can’t use that road for our agricultural vehicles because it goes through a residential area and we often can’t get through because of residents parking — meaning we simply can’t farm.

“So we would have no visitors and no ability to farm. We want the council to repair the bridge so it is suitable for our farm vehicles.”

Mr Grimshaw said that there are ongoing issues surrounding his negotiations with the council for a new tenancy agreement for the open farm.

Bolton Council said the bridge is unsafe for large vehicles and that it has tried “alternative methods” over the last few years to prevent larger vehicles getting through but these have not worked, so the decision to erect the bollards was made.

Temporary bollards were first erected five years ago — and have had to be replaced three times. In 2009, Bolton Council closed the access to Smithills Open Farm after walls at the sides of the road collapsed into the carriageway close to its main entrance.

An alternative path was set up but Mr Grimshaw said at the time it had caused problems.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We understand Mr Grimshaw’s issue regarding visitors and farm vehicles accessing the farm and we are looking at possible alternative routes.

“Negotiations with the farmer in respect of a new tenancy have been ongoing for a considerable length of time and are not yet finalised.

"We are exploring various options, including the council completing work on the bridge, or the option of the tenant buying or leasing the bridge and doing the work himself.”

Speaking after the council acted to remove the bollards from the bridge, 29-year-old Carl Grimshaw, who works with his father at the farm, added: “It looks like this time common sense has prevailed.

“We hope this will lead them to sort out the bridge once and for all.”

Comments

underwater
10:09am Wed 29 Jan 14

Is someone on Bolton Council using a bit of common sense for a change?. When will they realise it is hardworking families ike the Grmshaws who are creating the money that goes to pay council workers wages. It is the Grimshaws and other farmers who work 365 days a year without any paid holidays, and more importantly without the benefit of an inflation proof pension.Let us just hope that this situation can be resolved and that the LAND IS NOT SOLD BY OUR COUNCIL FOR MORE BUILDING. Come on the GRIMSHAWS. ILLIGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM.

Is someone on Bolton Council using a bit of common sense for a change?. When will they realise it is hardworking families ike the Grmshaws who are creating the money that goes to pay council workers wages. It is the Grimshaws and other farmers who work 365 days a year without any paid holidays, and more importantly without the benefit of an inflation proof pension.Let us just hope that this situation can be resolved and that the LAND IS NOT SOLD BY OUR COUNCIL FOR MORE BUILDING. Come on the GRIMSHAWS. ILLIGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM.underwater

Is someone on Bolton Council using a bit of common sense for a change?. When will they realise it is hardworking families ike the Grmshaws who are creating the money that goes to pay council workers wages. It is the Grimshaws and other farmers who work 365 days a year without any paid holidays, and more importantly without the benefit of an inflation proof pension.Let us just hope that this situation can be resolved and that the LAND IS NOT SOLD BY OUR COUNCIL FOR MORE BUILDING. Come on the GRIMSHAWS. ILLIGITIMI NON CARBORUNDUM.

Score: 19

I, Ludicrous
10:11am Wed 29 Jan 14

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)I, Ludicrous

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)

Score: -16

Wolfie190
10:35am Wed 29 Jan 14

Wow a victory for common sense.

Wow a victory for common sense.Wolfie190

Wow a victory for common sense.

Score: 19

LordLeverhulme
10:41am Wed 29 Jan 14

I'm confused at peoples logic here.
If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense?
.
Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

I'm confused at peoples logic here.
If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense?
.
Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.LordLeverhulme

I'm confused at peoples logic here.
If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense?
.
Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

Score: 15

William2701
10:44am Wed 29 Jan 14

Surprised that this inept Council didn't call in the Police and have the Grimshaws arrested for wrongful imprisonment.

Who will pick up the bill for this? Yes that's right, you and me, hardworking Council Tax Payers. The Cabinet member responsible for the department which caused this sad state of affairs and its Head of Department should be forced to pay!

Morris and Co....OUT!

Surprised that this inept Council didn't call in the Police and have the Grimshaws arrested for wrongful imprisonment.
Who will pick up the bill for this? Yes that's right, you and me, hardworking Council Tax Payers. The Cabinet member responsible for the department which caused this sad state of affairs and its Head of Department should be forced to pay!
Morris and Co....OUT!William2701

Surprised that this inept Council didn't call in the Police and have the Grimshaws arrested for wrongful imprisonment.

Who will pick up the bill for this? Yes that's right, you and me, hardworking Council Tax Payers. The Cabinet member responsible for the department which caused this sad state of affairs and its Head of Department should be forced to pay!

Morris and Co....OUT!

Score: 10

William2701
10:45am Wed 29 Jan 14

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

[quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote:
I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.[/p][/quote]It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?William2701

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Score: 12

atlas123
10:45am Wed 29 Jan 14

Wolfie190 wrote…

Wow a victory for common sense.

Will it be a victory for common sense when the bridge collapses killing someone?

Refurbishment of this bridge will cost hundreds of thousands if not millions.

The same amount of money could go into resurfacing any number of roads around the town that are used by thousands of people everyday rather than repairing this road used by a few dozen.

However the council does need to give Mr Grimshaw notice and look at reinstating large vehicular access via Athlone Avenue.

[quote][p][bold]Wolfie190[/bold] wrote:
Wow a victory for common sense.[/p][/quote]Will it be a victory for common sense when the bridge collapses killing someone?
Refurbishment of this bridge will cost hundreds of thousands if not millions.
The same amount of money could go into resurfacing any number of roads around the town that are used by thousands of people everyday rather than repairing this road used by a few dozen.
However the council does need to give Mr Grimshaw notice and look at reinstating large vehicular access via Athlone Avenue.atlas123

Wolfie190 wrote…

Wow a victory for common sense.

Will it be a victory for common sense when the bridge collapses killing someone?

Refurbishment of this bridge will cost hundreds of thousands if not millions.

The same amount of money could go into resurfacing any number of roads around the town that are used by thousands of people everyday rather than repairing this road used by a few dozen.

However the council does need to give Mr Grimshaw notice and look at reinstating large vehicular access via Athlone Avenue.

Score: 5

William2701
10:46am Wed 29 Jan 14

I, Ludicrous wrote…

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)

And your proof is....

Score: 10

atlas123
10:48am Wed 29 Jan 14

William2701 wrote…

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.

[quote][p][bold]William2701[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote:
I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.[/p][/quote]It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?[/p][/quote]Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.atlas123

William2701 wrote…

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.

Score: 5

William2701
10:49am Wed 29 Jan 14

The bridge is unsafe for large vehicles according to a faceless bureaucrat....look at the size of that JCB!

The bridge is unsafe for large vehicles according to a faceless bureaucrat....look at the size of that JCB!William2701

The bridge is unsafe for large vehicles according to a faceless bureaucrat....look at the size of that JCB!

Score: 11

William2701
10:52am Wed 29 Jan 14

atlas123 wrote…

William2701 wrote…

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.

Smithills Open Farm is hugely popular. Am assuming the Council want it off the land so the land can be sold so they want it to go the same way as the old Garden Centre did and to achieve that they try to close the road and stop visitors reaching the farm.

5 years ago we were still under the previous inept Labour Government who were racking up debts spending money like it was going out of fashion in an attempt to stay in office...so why no repairs then?

[quote][p][bold]atlas123[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]William2701[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote: I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.[/p][/quote]It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?[/p][/quote]Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.[/p][/quote]Smithills Open Farm is hugely popular. Am assuming the Council want it off the land so the land can be sold so they want it to go the same way as the old Garden Centre did and to achieve that they try to close the road and stop visitors reaching the farm.
5 years ago we were still under the previous inept Labour Government who were racking up debts spending money like it was going out of fashion in an attempt to stay in office...so why no repairs then?William2701

atlas123 wrote…

William2701 wrote…

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.

Smithills Open Farm is hugely popular. Am assuming the Council want it off the land so the land can be sold so they want it to go the same way as the old Garden Centre did and to achieve that they try to close the road and stop visitors reaching the farm.

5 years ago we were still under the previous inept Labour Government who were racking up debts spending money like it was going out of fashion in an attempt to stay in office...so why no repairs then?

Score: 5

atlas123
11:07am Wed 29 Jan 14

William2701 wrote…

atlas123 wrote…

William2701 wrote…

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.

Smithills Open Farm is hugely popular. Am assuming the Council want it off the land so the land can be sold so they want it to go the same way as the old Garden Centre did and to achieve that they try to close the road and stop visitors reaching the farm.

5 years ago we were still under the previous inept Labour Government who were racking up debts spending money like it was going out of fashion in an attempt to stay in office...so why no repairs then?

The JCB is large, but it is not a 44 tonner, or a tractor and unsrung trailer racing across at speed.

I am not the biggest fan of B/C but i can't imagine this is a huge conspiracy to close the farm. As long as they pay their rent i expect the council to be happy. - Get a Grip.

If 10'000 vehicles a year access the farm for visiting purposes (30ish a day) and the repairs are cost £1M and are costed out over 10years that is £10 per trip per car Stupidly expensive.

[quote][p][bold]William2701[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]atlas123[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]William2701[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote: I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.[/p][/quote]It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?[/p][/quote]Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.[/p][/quote]Smithills Open Farm is hugely popular. Am assuming the Council want it off the land so the land can be sold so they want it to go the same way as the old Garden Centre did and to achieve that they try to close the road and stop visitors reaching the farm.
5 years ago we were still under the previous inept Labour Government who were racking up debts spending money like it was going out of fashion in an attempt to stay in office...so why no repairs then?[/p][/quote]The JCB is large, but it is not a 44 tonner, or a tractor and unsrung trailer racing across at speed.
I am not the biggest fan of B/C but i can't imagine this is a huge conspiracy to close the farm. As long as they pay their rent i expect the council to be happy. - Get a Grip.
If 10'000 vehicles a year access the farm for visiting purposes (30ish a day) and the repairs are cost £1M and are costed out over 10years that is £10 per trip per car Stupidly expensive.atlas123

William2701 wrote…

atlas123 wrote…

William2701 wrote…

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here. If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense? . Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

It collapsed 5 years ago why no repairs?

Too expensive when number of users taken into consideration.

Smithills Open Farm is hugely popular. Am assuming the Council want it off the land so the land can be sold so they want it to go the same way as the old Garden Centre did and to achieve that they try to close the road and stop visitors reaching the farm.

5 years ago we were still under the previous inept Labour Government who were racking up debts spending money like it was going out of fashion in an attempt to stay in office...so why no repairs then?

The JCB is large, but it is not a 44 tonner, or a tractor and unsrung trailer racing across at speed.

I am not the biggest fan of B/C but i can't imagine this is a huge conspiracy to close the farm. As long as they pay their rent i expect the council to be happy. - Get a Grip.

If 10'000 vehicles a year access the farm for visiting purposes (30ish a day) and the repairs are cost £1M and are costed out over 10years that is £10 per trip per car Stupidly expensive.

Score: -2

atlas123
11:09am Wed 29 Jan 14

William2701 wrote…

Surprised that this inept Council didn't call in the Police and have the Grimshaws arrested for wrongful imprisonment.

Who will pick up the bill for this? Yes that's right, you and me, hardworking Council Tax Payers. The Cabinet member responsible for the department which caused this sad state of affairs and its Head of Department should be forced to pay!

Morris and Co....OUT!

Wrongful imprisonment of vehicles????

[quote][p][bold]William2701[/bold] wrote:
Surprised that this inept Council didn't call in the Police and have the Grimshaws arrested for wrongful imprisonment.
Who will pick up the bill for this? Yes that's right, you and me, hardworking Council Tax Payers. The Cabinet member responsible for the department which caused this sad state of affairs and its Head of Department should be forced to pay!
Morris and Co....OUT![/p][/quote]Wrongful imprisonment of vehicles????atlas123

William2701 wrote…

Surprised that this inept Council didn't call in the Police and have the Grimshaws arrested for wrongful imprisonment.

Who will pick up the bill for this? Yes that's right, you and me, hardworking Council Tax Payers. The Cabinet member responsible for the department which caused this sad state of affairs and its Head of Department should be forced to pay!

Morris and Co....OUT!

Wrongful imprisonment of vehicles????

Score: 4

FreedomOfSpeech1945
11:24am Wed 29 Jan 14

Cllr Morris probably earmarked the bridge as a potential site to build a house!

Cllr Morris probably earmarked the bridge as a potential site to build a house!FreedomOfSpeech1945

Cllr Morris probably earmarked the bridge as a potential site to build a house!

Score: 9

Menhed
11:53am Wed 29 Jan 14

So the council own the bridge and have failed to maintain it despite it being the main access to an established business which they agreed to for one of their tenants who has been paying rent for many years. Now they want to close it thereby effectively closing the business probably causing the tenants to default on rent payments which could lead to eviction.
Mmm, what would they do with the land then?

Hope they filled those holes in after.

So the council own the bridge and have failed to maintain it despite it being the main access to an established business which they agreed to for one of their tenants who has been paying rent for many years. Now they want to close it thereby effectively closing the business probably causing the tenants to default on rent payments which could lead to eviction.
Mmm, what would they do with the land then?
Hope they filled those holes in after.Menhed

So the council own the bridge and have failed to maintain it despite it being the main access to an established business which they agreed to for one of their tenants who has been paying rent for many years. Now they want to close it thereby effectively closing the business probably causing the tenants to default on rent payments which could lead to eviction.
Mmm, what would they do with the land then?

Hope they filled those holes in after.

Score: 13

LordLeverhulme
11:59am Wed 29 Jan 14

If the bridge does collapse, I presume Farmer Barmy will expect the council to build a new one??
.
They should put up a big sign pointing to his farm saying "travellers camping site -> "

If the bridge does collapse, I presume Farmer Barmy will expect the council to build a new one??
.
They should put up a big sign pointing to his farm saying "travellers camping site -> "LordLeverhulme

If the bridge does collapse, I presume Farmer Barmy will expect the council to build a new one??
.
They should put up a big sign pointing to his farm saying "travellers camping site -> "

Score: -9

goldie47
12:18pm Wed 29 Jan 14

yet another classic example of the lunatics(councillors
)running the asylum

yet another classic example of the lunatics(councillors
)running the asylumgoldie47

yet another classic example of the lunatics(councillors
)running the asylum

Score: 9

Balboa
12:28pm Wed 29 Jan 14

Council vehicles weigh more than Mr Grimshaw's vehicles?

Who's paying the bill for this? if the council are right and acted lawfully then the farm should reimburse the costs. if the council are wrong and acted unlawfully then sack the incompetent person dealing with the matter and ensure the tax payer doesn't incur those costs.

Council vehicles weigh more than Mr Grimshaw's vehicles?
Who's paying the bill for this? if the council are right and acted lawfully then the farm should reimburse the costs. if the council are wrong and acted unlawfully then sack the incompetent person dealing with the matter and ensure the tax payer doesn't incur those costs.Balboa

Council vehicles weigh more than Mr Grimshaw's vehicles?

Who's paying the bill for this? if the council are right and acted lawfully then the farm should reimburse the costs. if the council are wrong and acted unlawfully then sack the incompetent person dealing with the matter and ensure the tax payer doesn't incur those costs.

Score: 6

The Righteous One
12:45pm Wed 29 Jan 14

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here.
If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense?
.
Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

Well it is council owned, just like the farm and all the land that comes with the farm! Therefore it is actualy in their own interests to repair the bridge or pay the compensation!

[quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote:
I'm confused at peoples logic here.
If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense?
.
Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.[/p][/quote]Well it is council owned, just like the farm and all the land that comes with the farm! Therefore it is actualy in their own interests to repair the bridge or pay the compensation!The Righteous One

LordLeverhulme wrote…

I'm confused at peoples logic here.
If the council say they were closing the bridge because it's collapsing.. and now it's remaining open and still collapsing.. how is that common sense?
.
Who's fault will it be if the bridge collapses with a minibus full of kids on it? Farmer Barleymo ?? Nope.. everyone will blame the council.

Well it is council owned, just like the farm and all the land that comes with the farm! Therefore it is actualy in their own interests to repair the bridge or pay the compensation!

Score: 3

JShepard
2:10pm Wed 29 Jan 14

Isn't the real issue, 'Why has the council not repaired the bridge after five years?'

This is a typical case where the council would rather never spend another penny on repairs of the bridge by putting up bollards. It's a standard policy they've been using for years and you can see this in action if you visit Moses Gate country park where you'll find information for walks.

Only to discover all the bridges have been closed and you need to walk into Kearsley to loop around. Where upon you'll find another bridge that has 3 feet of mud because the bridge hasn't been maintained but don't worry, the council spent thousands of pounds on a Meccano bridge that leads to nothing but a bench. I'm not even making that bit up.

Isn't the real issue, 'Why has the council not repaired the bridge after five years?'
This is a typical case where the council would rather never spend another penny on repairs of the bridge by putting up bollards. It's a standard policy they've been using for years and you can see this in action if you visit Moses Gate country park where you'll find information for walks.
Only to discover all the bridges have been closed and you need to walk into Kearsley to loop around. Where upon you'll find another bridge that has 3 feet of mud because the bridge hasn't been maintained but don't worry, the council spent thousands of pounds on a Meccano bridge that leads to nothing but a bench. I'm not even making that bit up.JShepard

Isn't the real issue, 'Why has the council not repaired the bridge after five years?'

This is a typical case where the council would rather never spend another penny on repairs of the bridge by putting up bollards. It's a standard policy they've been using for years and you can see this in action if you visit Moses Gate country park where you'll find information for walks.

Only to discover all the bridges have been closed and you need to walk into Kearsley to loop around. Where upon you'll find another bridge that has 3 feet of mud because the bridge hasn't been maintained but don't worry, the council spent thousands of pounds on a Meccano bridge that leads to nothing but a bench. I'm not even making that bit up.

Score: 11

The Righteous One
2:16pm Wed 29 Jan 14

JShepard wrote…

Isn't the real issue, 'Why has the council not repaired the bridge after five years?'

This is a typical case where the council would rather never spend another penny on repairs of the bridge by putting up bollards. It's a standard policy they've been using for years and you can see this in action if you visit Moses Gate country park where you'll find information for walks.

Only to discover all the bridges have been closed and you need to walk into Kearsley to loop around. Where upon you'll find another bridge that has 3 feet of mud because the bridge hasn't been maintained but don't worry, the council spent thousands of pounds on a Meccano bridge that leads to nothing but a bench. I'm not even making that bit up.

And lets not forget what teh council as recently done toOrlando bridge and since it re-opened, only 2 weeks ago with the narrowing of the road and the concrete bollards there has been 3 significant accidents as cars have hit the bollards and turned over!!!!!

[quote][p][bold]JShepard[/bold] wrote:
Isn't the real issue, 'Why has the council not repaired the bridge after five years?'
This is a typical case where the council would rather never spend another penny on repairs of the bridge by putting up bollards. It's a standard policy they've been using for years and you can see this in action if you visit Moses Gate country park where you'll find information for walks.
Only to discover all the bridges have been closed and you need to walk into Kearsley to loop around. Where upon you'll find another bridge that has 3 feet of mud because the bridge hasn't been maintained but don't worry, the council spent thousands of pounds on a Meccano bridge that leads to nothing but a bench. I'm not even making that bit up.[/p][/quote]And lets not forget what teh council as recently done toOrlando bridge and since it re-opened, only 2 weeks ago with the narrowing of the road and the concrete bollards there has been 3 significant accidents as cars have hit the bollards and turned over!!!!!The Righteous One

JShepard wrote…

Isn't the real issue, 'Why has the council not repaired the bridge after five years?'

This is a typical case where the council would rather never spend another penny on repairs of the bridge by putting up bollards. It's a standard policy they've been using for years and you can see this in action if you visit Moses Gate country park where you'll find information for walks.

Only to discover all the bridges have been closed and you need to walk into Kearsley to loop around. Where upon you'll find another bridge that has 3 feet of mud because the bridge hasn't been maintained but don't worry, the council spent thousands of pounds on a Meccano bridge that leads to nothing but a bench. I'm not even making that bit up.

And lets not forget what teh council as recently done toOrlando bridge and since it re-opened, only 2 weeks ago with the narrowing of the road and the concrete bollards there has been 3 significant accidents as cars have hit the bollards and turned over!!!!!

Score: 5

LordLeverhulme
3:52pm Wed 29 Jan 14

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.LordLeverhulme

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.

Score: 1

The Righteous One
4:33pm Wed 29 Jan 14

LordLeverhulme wrote…

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.

To be fair its not the width that is causing the problem but the location of where the road narrows and how it narrows - basically on the bend (if comingfrom Machester Road) thus very difficult to navigate(in fact vitually near impossible - even at a slow speed - not enough room to maneouvre for the gap!

[quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote:
that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.[/p][/quote]To be fair its not the width that is causing the problem but the location of where the road narrows and how it narrows - basically on the bend (if comingfrom Machester Road) thus very difficult to navigate(in fact vitually near impossible - even at a slow speed - not enough room to maneouvre for the gap!The Righteous One

LordLeverhulme wrote…

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.

To be fair its not the width that is causing the problem but the location of where the road narrows and how it narrows - basically on the bend (if comingfrom Machester Road) thus very difficult to navigate(in fact vitually near impossible - even at a slow speed - not enough room to maneouvre for the gap!

Score: 4

sallyupsteps
6:10pm Wed 29 Jan 14

For five years the heavy traffic has been diverted along moss lea and Walsh & Co promised to re instate this private bridleway. We now have road that disabled people cannot use, the kids need to wear wellies to get to college and dogs can drown in the slutch What will it take for Boltonians to get up off their knees and clear out the dunghill. They are all keeping one another in jobs and expenses. Not only that but we now seem to have dynasty's husband and wife, fathers and sons if they want a family business let them open a shop. The council kills everything it touches, Astley Bridge library,

For five years the heavy traffic has been diverted along moss lea and Walsh & Co promised to re instate this private bridleway. We now have road that disabled people cannot use, the kids need to wear wellies to get to college and dogs can drown in the slutch What will it take for Boltonians to get up off their knees and clear out the dunghill. They are all keeping one another in jobs and expenses. Not only that but we now seem to have dynasty's husband and wife, fathers and sons if they want a family business let them open a shop. The council kills everything it touches, Astley Bridge library,sallyupsteps

For five years the heavy traffic has been diverted along moss lea and Walsh & Co promised to re instate this private bridleway. We now have road that disabled people cannot use, the kids need to wear wellies to get to college and dogs can drown in the slutch What will it take for Boltonians to get up off their knees and clear out the dunghill. They are all keeping one another in jobs and expenses. Not only that but we now seem to have dynasty's husband and wife, fathers and sons if they want a family business let them open a shop. The council kills everything it touches, Astley Bridge library,

Score: 3

I, Ludicrous
10:29pm Wed 29 Jan 14

William2701 wrote…

I, Ludicrous wrote…

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)

And your proof is....

And in these sheds you have 20ft high chickens, and these chickens are scared because the don't know why they're so big, and they're going, "Oh why am I so massive?" and they're looking down at all the little chickens and they think they're in an aeroplane because all the other chickens are so small. Do you deny that? No, I think his silence speaks volumes.

[quote][p][bold]William2701[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]I, Ludicrous[/bold] wrote:
They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)[/p][/quote]And your proof is....[/p][/quote]And in these sheds you have 20ft high chickens, and these chickens are scared because the don't know why they're so big, and they're going, "Oh why am I so massive?" and they're looking down at all the little chickens and they think they're in an aeroplane because all the other chickens are so small. Do you deny that? No, I think his silence speaks volumes.I, Ludicrous

William2701 wrote…

I, Ludicrous wrote…

They make pigs smoke and feed beef burgers to swans. They have big sheds, but nobody's allowed in. ;-)

And your proof is....

And in these sheds you have 20ft high chickens, and these chickens are scared because the don't know why they're so big, and they're going, "Oh why am I so massive?" and they're looking down at all the little chickens and they think they're in an aeroplane because all the other chickens are so small. Do you deny that? No, I think his silence speaks volumes.

Score: 3

bungie44
10:44pm Wed 29 Jan 14

Seems to me that the council have a surplus of bollards they are putting them all over the place just take a look at Orlando bridge Manchester road they also seem to have surplus green tarmac that can`t be used to fill potholes but can be used all over the roads for cycle lanes. Which brain dead is in charge of the highway department. No wonder they have no cash to repair this bridge after the money and time they must have spent on Orlando Bridge.

Seems to me that the council have a surplus of bollards they are putting them all over the place just take a look at Orlando bridge Manchester road they also seem to have surplus green tarmac that can`t be used to fill potholes but can be used all over the roads for cycle lanes. Which brain dead is in charge of the highway department. No wonder they have no cash to repair this bridge after the money and time they must have spent on Orlando Bridge.bungie44

Seems to me that the council have a surplus of bollards they are putting them all over the place just take a look at Orlando bridge Manchester road they also seem to have surplus green tarmac that can`t be used to fill potholes but can be used all over the roads for cycle lanes. Which brain dead is in charge of the highway department. No wonder they have no cash to repair this bridge after the money and time they must have spent on Orlando Bridge.

Score: 2

notatroll
11:10am Thu 30 Jan 14

LordLeverhulme wrote…

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.

the only signage is advising lorries to take different routes to avoid the bridge. theres no signage to indicate bollards just around the corner other than new road layout ahead. the last place you expect bollards is directly after a bend at 30 mph. the whole areas a shambles tho and george cox and sons made a pigs ear of all of it! surprised BN didnt run a story on this...

[quote][p][bold]LordLeverhulme[/bold] wrote:
that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.[/p][/quote]the only signage is advising lorries to take different routes to avoid the bridge. theres no signage to indicate bollards just around the corner other than new road layout ahead. the last place you expect bollards is directly after a bend at 30 mph. the whole areas a shambles tho and george cox and sons made a pigs ear of all of it! surprised BN didnt run a story on this...notatroll

LordLeverhulme wrote…

that's bizarre though. the signs before Orlando Bridge are like 25ft high. Even Stevie Wonder would see them warning you it's a narrow gap.

the only signage is advising lorries to take different routes to avoid the bridge. theres no signage to indicate bollards just around the corner other than new road layout ahead. the last place you expect bollards is directly after a bend at 30 mph. the whole areas a shambles tho and george cox and sons made a pigs ear of all of it! surprised BN didnt run a story on this...

Score: 2

BWFCLIFE
9:56pm Wed 5 Feb 14

Smithills Farm is a great attraction in Bolton and my family thoroughly enjoy visiting there. I really hope that the council do not end up driving the farmer and his family away. I do not think they are treating the farmer fairly and by making it difficult to access the farm is interfering with his livelihood.

Smithills Farm is a great attraction in Bolton and my family thoroughly enjoy visiting there. I really hope that the council do not end up driving the farmer and his family away. I do not think they are treating the farmer fairly and by making it difficult to access the farm is interfering with his livelihood.BWFCLIFE

Smithills Farm is a great attraction in Bolton and my family thoroughly enjoy visiting there. I really hope that the council do not end up driving the farmer and his family away. I do not think they are treating the farmer fairly and by making it difficult to access the farm is interfering with his livelihood.

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